Saturday, December 28, 2024
Top-Ten Films in 2024
It's time for the annual top-ten list! Here are the ten best films from the 221 feature-length narrative and documentary films I watched throughout 2024, regardless of when or whether they were released in the US during the year.
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The Last Stop in Yuma County (USA 2023 | 90 min.)
"The Last Stop in Yuma County" terrifically delivers sharp storytelling, stellar performances, and unrelenting tension, creating a thrilling and unforgettable ride from start to finish.
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Babygirl (USA 2024 | 114 min.)
The daring and provocative "Babygirl" delves into the complexities of desire, power, and self-discovery, driven by Nicole Kidman's bold and captivating performance.
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Strange Darling (USA 2023 | 97 min.)
The inventive, gripping, and stylish thriller "Strange Darling" weaves a disjointed narrative into a captivating tale of pursuit, violence, and power dynamics, anchored by compelling performances.
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Close (Belgium/Netherlands/France 2022 | in French | 104 min.)
The deeply emotional "Close" tenderly examines the complexities of friendship and the profound impact of grief, capturing the vulnerability and pain of adolescence with sensitivity and honesty.
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The Teachers' Lounge (Das Lehrerzimmer | Germany 2023 | in German | 98 min.)
The gripping drama "The Teachers' Lounge" navigates the intricate dynamics of trust, ethics, and escalating tensions within a school environment.
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Monster (怪物 | Japan 2023 | in Japanese | 127 min.)
With compelling performances, "Monster" masterfully tells a story about bullying, identity, and empathy through shifting perspectives.
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Ghostlight (USA 2024 | 115 min.)
"Ghostlight" (2024) is a poignant and beautiful portrayal of a construction worker grappling with grief, finding healing through the unexpected power in theater.
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"Conclave" is a sharply crafted political thriller, blending power struggles, moral dilemmas, and Ralph Fiennes' commanding performance into a tense and visually striking drama about Vatican's most secretive election.
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Last Summer (L'été dernier | France 2024 | in French | 104 min.)
"Last Summer" tells a captivating story about a complicated, psychological nuanced, and heated affair driven by desire, betrayal, and emotional turmoil.
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Young Hearts (Belgium/Netherlands 2024 | in German/English/French/Dutch | 97 min.)
"Young Hearts" is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that captures the innocence and complexities of young love with refreshing authenticity.
